The People says Kop gaffer Kenny Dalglish is an admirer of the Partizan Belgrade sensation, 17, and sources in Serbia claim Markovicâ€™s camp have been on Merseyside to discuss the deal and a move could go through this month or be set up for the summer.

Markovic, who is in the Michael Owen mould, is rated the best player his country has produced for years.

Liverpool may run into work permit problems if they can agree a deal, but there is a case for Markovic being allowed into the country before he wins a full cap as an â€˜exceptional talent.

Earlier this season, Markovic was quick to talk up his ambitions of joining Chelsea after learning of their interest.